NGO gives away eco-friendly idols at buyers’ price

NGO gives away eco-friendly idols at buyers’ price

PUNE: To promote use of eco-friendly shadu (clay) idols during Ganesh festival, Chinchwad-based NGO Shri Shankarraj Maharaj Seva Mandal gives away the idols at the price customers offer.

For the past six years, under its campaign ‘Murti Amchi, Kimmat Tumchi’ (Our Idol, Your Price), the organisation has been selling shadu idols in exchange for donations from buyers. Not only does the NGO sell eco-friendly idols, but also encourages people to immerse them at their homes.

“We noticed that one reason why people avoid buying shadu idols was that they were costlier than the Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols,” said Prashant Tamhankar of Shri Shankarraj Maharaj Seva Mandal.

Tamhankar further said, “We thought that if we could make the idols available at a price people can afford, they would be encouraged to buy them.” 

This year, the NGO managed to sell 2,000 idols. As far as the donations are concerned, the NGO puts up a chart of basic making charges of the idols according to their shape and height for reference of buyers, but there is no compulsion as to what amount must be paid.

“We do not take money from buyers directly. They put it secretly inside a donation box that we have made, so nobody knows who paid what amount. We have several buyers who pay twice or thrice the amount displayed, but we are sure there are many who take these idols at a price they can afford, and we were very happy about it. That was the aim, after all,” Tamhankar said.

He said that due to popular demand by people from Nanded City, Sinhagad Road, a stall was set up there this year. “We managed to sell 150 idols there. Next year, we are planning to expand, as several people have said that Chinchwad is too far. We have buyers from all across Pune, as well as some from Mumbai.”

Naren Agarwal from Pune, who has been buying his Ganesh idol at the NGO since last year said, “I live near Market Yard in Pune. There are several vendors around my home, but I make it a point to go to Chinchwad as these idols are truly eco-friendly. They are made of shadu and there is no use of artificial colours. They can be immersed at home easily.”

“I wish to volunteer and spread the work in Pune too,” he said.

The donations collected through the sale of idols are used for social causes by the NGO.

“We run a small old age home in Kiwale, where we look after nine senior citizens. We contribute towards the education of several economically backward meritorious students every year,” Tamhankar said.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com